Lead Machinist | Newaygo, MI

Salary Range: $53,000 - $83,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Newaygo seeking Lead Machinists to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Newaygo region seeking Lead Machinists. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor junior machinists, providing technical guidance and training.
• Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machinery and conventional tools.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex machining issues, optimizing processes for efficiency.
• Interpret engineering blueprints, CAD models, and specifications to produce precision parts.
• Oversee quality control for machined components, ensuring adherence to tight tolerances.
• Implement and maintain safety protocols and best practices in the machine shop.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in precision machining, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in setting up, operating, and programming CNC mills and lathes.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T specifications.
• Strong knowledge of various metal properties, cutting tools, and machining processes.
• Experience with quality control methods and inspection tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMM).
• Ability to troubleshoot complex machining issues and optimize production efficiency.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Certification in a specialized machining technique (e.g., EDM, laser machining)
• Proven ability to mentor junior machinists or apprentices
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, CNC Lead Machinist, Shop Lead Machinist, Machinist Team Lead, Senior Machinist, Machine Shop Supervisor, Precision Machinist Lead, Machining Lead Hand, Manufacturing Lead Machinist, Production Machinist Lead

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.